How to Use VR Glasses

Co-authored by Corey Reese and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: December 1, 2024

This wikiHow teaches you how to use VR glasses. VR glasses are head-mounted devices you can use to view VR (Virtual Reality) apps on your smartphone. To use VR glasses, you need a smartphone with gyroscopic sensors, and a screen that is 4 inches wide with a resolution of 720p at a minimum, though a larger screen size with 1080p or greater is recommended.

Things You Should Know

Download apps from the Google Play store or the app store. Then, open the app you want to use and place your phone in the headset.
Align the screen so that it is centered. Close the headset and place it on your head.
Adjust the fit and focus of the headset. Then, use your head to control the cursor.

Steps

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Download virtual reality apps. There are a variety of VR apps available for iPhone and Android devices. Use the following steps to browse and download apps:
- Open the Google Play Store on Android, or App Store on iPhone.
- Search "VR".
- Tap a VR app.
- Tap GET, or Install next to the app.
Some VR headsets open from the front. Others have a tray that slides out from the side you use to mount your smartphone.^{[1]
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Place your smartphone in the holding tray. Most VR headsets have a spring loaded mount to hold your phone. Turn your phone sideways and slide it in to the mount.
- If you normally keep your smartphone in a protective case, you may need to remove your phone from its protective case before mounting it in the VR headset.
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Open a VR app. Tap the icon for a VR app on your homescreen to open the app.
- If the VR app you want to play requires a game controller, be sure to open pair it using Bluetooth before opening the app.
VR apps display two images separated by a line. Align the center-line with the marker on the mount, or the vision divider in the headset.
With the app is playing, close the VR headset front, or slide the tray back into the headset.
Place the display mount over the front of your eyes and pull the head-straps over the back of your head. Adjust the straps as needed so that the display mount is held firmly in place.
Many VR headsets have the ability to adjust the horizontal spacing of the lenses. If you are able to adjust the lens spacing, adjust them so that the image is clear. Some headsets have a knob that you can turn, other require you to manually adjust the lens spacing. You only need to do this once.
Most VR headsets have a way for you to adjust the focus. Some headsets have a knob that you can turn, other require you to manually move the lenses forwards and backwards, or adjust the distance of the phone from the lenses. You only need to do this once.
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Use your head movements to control the cursor. If you see a dot in the center of the screen, you can use the dot to interact with the VR content. Move the cursor with your head movements. To activate an icon or button, place the cursor over the icon and hold it there for a few seconds.
- So apps are view only and do not have a cursor. For these apps, you will need to start the app before placing your phone in the VR headset, and remove your phone to change something in the app, or change to a different app.
- Some VR apps require an external controller for VR. For these apps, you will need to connect the controller to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Consult the user's manual for your controller for more information.

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Tips

Not getting a clear image with your headset? Some apps have settings that are specific to each VR headset model. If you see a gear icon while playing a VR app, tap it and select the Viewer option. Select your VR headset model. Some VR headsets have a QR code you can scan to set the app for your VR headset model automatically.

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Did you know you can watch VR videos on YouTube? To try it out, open the YouTube app and search for 360 videos and play one. Place your phone in the VR headset mount and tap the icon that resembles a VR viewer in the lower-right corner. Then close the headset and view the video.

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For the best VR experience, wear headphones while viewing VR content. Some VR headsets have an opening that allows you to connect a pair of headphones to your smartphone using the 3.5mm jack. You can also connect wireless headphones to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Read "How to Pair a Cell Phone to a Bluetooth Headset" to learn more.

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Warnings

Some people may experience nausea, motion sickness, disorientation, and other symptoms of cyber sickness while viewing VR content. If you experience any discomfort while viewing VR content, stop immediately.

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VR is not recommended for children under 12. Viewing 3D content can adversely affect eyesight development in children.

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If you are new to VR, limit the amount of time you spend viewing VR content to 10 minutes or less. This will help you avoid cyber sickness. As you get used to the experience, you can increase the amount of time you spend viewing VR content.

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